Warning over surge in cases of Parkinson’s
THE number of Scots living with Parkinson’s disease has soared to more than 12,000, warn campaigners.
And the figure is expected to double within 50 years as the country’s population increases and ages.
Parkinson’s UK in Scotland said this will affect already stretched health and social services, and urged the Scottish Government to make the necessary preparations.
Parkinson’s is an incurable, progressive neurological condition. Symptoms include tremors, slowness and stiff muscles. Eventually, patients need support with basic tasks such as washing and dressing.
Parkinson’s UK in Scotland campaign manager Tanith Muller said: ‘Parkinson’s is a complex condition that typically affects every area of a person’s life. It has a huge impact on individuals, their families, carers, the NHS and the social care system.
‘As people live longer and the number of people living with the condition increases, getting Parkinson’s care and support right is essential.
‘Around 1,500 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in Scotland this year – that’s 30 people every week – and these numbers are set to increase. It is vital that our health and care service providers act now to ensure that services are in place to meet people’s needs.’
Miss Muller added: ‘These alarming figures demonstrate
‘Affects all areas of a person’s life’
that Scottish Government and health and social care providers must commit resources to support the growing numbers of people with Parkinson’s now, and plan for increasing needs in the future.’
Dr Carl Counsell, honorary consultant neurologist at NHS Grampian, said: ‘Parkinson’s has a profound impact on health and wellbeing, particularly for those diagnosed at older ages.
‘People with Parkinson’s are three times more likely to experience a major fracture than people of the same age without the condition.
‘There are increased complications with dementia too – people with Parkinson’s are six times more likely to develop dementia as people of the same age without the condition.
‘Five years after being diagnosed, half need some support with basic day-to-day activities like washing and dressing.’
Dr Counsell added: ‘People with Parkinson’s have a very high risk of hospital admission. In 2015-16 more than 4,000 people with Parkinson’s were admitted to hospital in Scotland.
‘Care and support from a team of health and social care professionals can help people with Parkinson’s to live well... but health and social care services must be in place.’
The Scottish Government said it has extended free personal care to all those under 65 receiving care at home and has provided an extra £2.5million for specialist nursing support.
A spokesman added: ‘We are working closely with the Neurological Alliance of Scotland to develop the first national action plan on neurological conditions to help ensure people have consistent access to the best possible care and support.’